Think the “metro mayors” don’t matter? Here’s how they could tackle domestic violence

When Theresa May called a snap general election many of us had to rip up our work plans and get straight into election mode.

All those carefully-drafted amendments and gradually-nurtured relationships are now on hold as MPs revert to being hopeful candidates and civil servants are grounded by purdah.

First things first

But even as we speed-write manifestos and cobble together hustings events, women’s organisations across the country need to remain focused on elections closer to home.

On the 4th May, six areas in England are for the first time ever electing new ‘metro mayors’.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Greater Manchester; Liverpool City Region; Tees Valley; West of England and West Midlands will have mayors on the model of the London Mayor, with powers that stretch over multiple local councils.

These mayors will have powers over housing, planning and economic growth (including controlling significant investment funds).

New powers for the mayors

The Liverpool Mayor and the Peterborough and Cambridgeshire Mayor will have some powers over health and social care integration.

The Manchester Mayor, the most powerful, will control a £6bn health and social care budget and will also be the head of the police (the Police and Crime Commissioner ‘PCC’) for the area.

A chance to create change

Many other areas in England, Wales and Scotland will have council elections.

Councils have control over significant budgets for social care, housing, safeguarding vulnerable children and adults, and other areas relevant for people working on violence against women.

Everyone who stands for election to public office must commit to ending violence against women and girls

They are also expected to work closely with local NHS and feed into NHS decision making.

Life-saving services

These local politicians have significant power over the life-saving services many women rely on.

They will have a say in funding decisions and will be well placed to encourage local public services – like the police, health and transport – to prioritise tackling violence against women and girls.

Staying on task through to June 8th

That’s why End Violence Against Women Coalition members across the country have been writing to candidates.

The commitments made during the campaign can be used to hold them to account if they’re elected.

We can’t allow the general election to distract us from this work, everyone who stands for election to public office must commit to ending violence against women and girls.

Rachel Krys is co-director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition

iNews

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